Inspector Luke Breakspear of GMP’s South Manchester division said: “We are appealing to the public for any help and information they could provide.

“We know this was a deliberate act to burn down this historic building, and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.

“We know that even at such a late hour people take short cuts through the park. If you were one of those people in the early hours surrounding the fire, please get in touch, even if you didn’t see anything you may be able to help us with our timeline of events.

“The wider community may also be able to provide us with information. Did you see anyone coming home late, perhaps smelling of smoke, or with singed clothes or burns that maybe they haven’t sought treatment for?

“We would like to thank the Fire Service for an excellent job, they have managed to save a considerable amount of Wythenshawe Hall , thanks to the work of Manchester City Council, the community and the Friends of Wythenshawe Hall I’m sure the building will be back to it’s former glory in no time.”